NEWARK, NJ — Four high-achieving high school seniors from Newark have earned prestigious QuestBridge scholarships for 2024, the board of education recently announced.
This year’s QuestBridge recipients include Shariah Marsden from Bard High School Early College, Laiba Arif and Mariana Nolasco from Technology High School, and Adamari Rodriguez-Valdiviezo from Science Park High School.
Each student is among the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and have actively engaged in extracurricular activities such as student government and the National Honor Society.
Here’s what to know about the scholarships, according to a news release from the Newark Board of Education:
“Our students consistently demonstrate exceptional talents, reaffirming what we, in Newark, have long recognized,” Superintendent Roger Leόn said.
“Their brilliance not only brings pride to our community but also inspires us,” Leόn added.
Each student is embarking on a bright future in some important fields of study, administrators said:
SHARIAH MARSDEN – “Shariah is set to embark on a journey at Yale, where her focus will be on Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, showcasing her dedication to the intricacies of scientific exploration.”
ADAMARI RODRIGUEZ-VALDIVIEZO – “Adamari, with a keen interest in the intricate world of Molecular and Cellular Biology, coupled with a minor in Physics, will be contributing her intellect to the academic community at Johns Hopkins.”
MARIANA NOLASCO – “Mariana’s path leads her to Tufts, where she will delve into the realms of Clinical Psychology or Cognitive Brain Science, demonstrating a commitment to understanding the complexities of the human mind.”
LAIBA ARIF – “Laiba’s academic journey at Hamilton will center around Psychology, reflecting her passion for unraveling the intricacies of human behavior.”
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